7 Best Places to Snorkel with Sea Turtles in 2024
June 13, 2024
Snorkeling with turtles is a really special experience that you will likely remember forever. There are numerous destinations around the world where you can encounter sea turtles up close in their natural habitat. In this article, we are going to take a look at seven breathtaking locations where you can snorkel with sea turtles. We have also included some top tips to make your snorkeling adventure even better.
Respectful encounters
Make sure you choose a reputable tour operator when snorkeling with turtles; one that prioritizes the safety and happiness of the animals, while also giving you the best encounter. If you snorkel with sea turtles while not on an organized tour, remember to do the following:
- Keep a respectful distance from the sea turtles
- Always allow the sea turtles to swim freely
- Ensure sea turtles have access to the surface to breathe
- Avoid swimming directly over the top of sea turtles
Avoid artificial experiences at aquariums or anywhere where animals are kept in captivity. Turtles swim thousands of miles in the wild every year, let us do what we can to allow them to keep doing that.
Top 7 Places to Snorkel with Sea Turtles
1. Hawaii, USA
Hawaii offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the world, particularly with its resident green sea turtles (known locally as ‘Honu’). Diving in Hawaii is very popular and this destination is also ideal for snorkeling, boasting warm clear waters and diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish and colorful coral reefs.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, Hawaii’s rich biodiversity makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking unforgettable encounters with sea turtles and other marine wonders.
- Best location for turtles: Hanauma Bay, Oahu.
- Turtle Species: Hawaiian green turtle (Honu).
- Best Time to Go: Summer months (May to September) offer the highest chance of spotting turtles.
- Other Marine Life: Keep an eye out for colorful tropical fish, octopuses, and even spinner dolphins.
- Top Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and remember to respect the turtles’ space by keeping a safe distance.
Keen to try snorkeling but unsure where to start? Then check out the SSI Snorkel Diver program
2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and one of the best places to go snorkeling or diving in Australia. This incredible reef system attracts snorkelers year-round with its breathtaking underwater views and a vast array of marine species.
Numerous sea turtles, including green and loggerhead sea turtles, call the Great Barrier Reef their home. It is a great place to snorkel with sea turtles and swim among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Best location for turtles: Lady Elliot Island.
- Turtle Species: Green turtle and Loggerhead turtle.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round, but visibility is best from April to November.
- Other Marine Life: Explore coral gardens inhabited by reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
- Top Tips: Choose a guided snorkeling tour to learn about the reef’s ecosystem and increase your chances of sea turtle encounters.
3. Maldives
The Maldives is potentially the world’s best snorkeling paradise, with turquoise waters, healthy reefs, and large marine life to spot. This idyllic archipelago offers regular opportunities to snorkel with sea turtles, including green and hawksbill sea turtles. With year-round warm weather and excellent visibility, the Maldives beckons snorkelers from all corners of the globe.
- Best location for turtles: Lankanfinolhu Island.
- Turtle Species: Hawksbill turtle and Green turtle.
- Best Time to Go: December to April for dry weather and excellent visibility.
- Other Marine Life: Vast species of marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, and stunning coral formations.
- Top Tips: Snorkel along the house reef for the best chance of spotting sea turtles. Consider taking a night snorkeling excursion for a unique underwater experience.
4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Diving in the Galapagos is at the top of many divers’ wish lists, but it is also a phenomenal destination for snorkelers! At the Galápagos Islands, you can snorkel with sea turtles and encounter extraordinary marine species unique to the area. Here, you can swim with Galápagos green turtles, playful sea lions, penguins, and marine iguanas.
- Best location for turtles: Gardner Bay, Española Island.
- Turtle Species: Galápagos green turtle.
- Best Time to Go: December to May for warmer waters and calmer seas.
- Other Marine Life: Encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, and Galápagos penguins.
- Top Tips: Snorkel near the shoreline where sea turtles graze on seagrass beds and be prepared for strong currents.
Akumal, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a favorite amongst snorkelers and divers, where you can snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat. Swim alongside graceful loggerhead and green turtles, while also marveling at the colorful selection of tropical fish and other marine life. Akumal promises an unforgettable adventure whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler.
- Best location for turtles: Akumal Bay.
- Turtle Species: Loggerhead turtle and Green turtle.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round, but peak turtle season is from May to September.
- Other Marine Life: Swim alongside colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and eagle rays.
- Top Tips: Hire a local guide to lead you to the best turtle hotspots and remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile ecosystem.
6. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife in the Canary Islands has stunning coastal landscapes and snorkeling opportunities. You can spot loggerhead and green turtles in the rich waters around Tenerife. This beautiful island also offers whale and dolphin watching excursions and is home to critically endangered angel sharks.
- Best location for turtles: Los Cristianos Beach.
- Turtle Species: Loggerhead turtle and Green turtle.
- Best Time to Go: Summer months for warmer water temperatures.
- Other Marine Life: Encounter stingrays, trumpetfish, and even the occasional whale or dolphin.
- Top Tips: Snorkel around the rocky outcrops near the shore where turtles often feed. Always be mindful of boat traffic in the area.
7. Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Gili Islands, nestled off the coast of Bali, are one of the most peaceful and sought-after places to go snorkeling or diving in Indonesia. These idyllic islands are perfect for snorkel adventures, with warm waters and easy access from the shore.
Snorkelers are likely to see hawksbill and green turtles gliding gracefully along the reef and sandy bottom. Turquoise waters and stunning coral gardens make these islands an unforgettable place to snorkel with sea turtles.
- Best location for turtles: Gili Trawangan.
- Turtle Species: Hawksbill turtle and Green turtle.
- Best Time to Go: April to October for dry season and calm seas.
- Other Marine Life: Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with clownfish, moray eels, and reef sharks.
- Top Tips: Take a boat trip to one of the many dive spots away from shore. Practice responsible snorkeling by avoiding touching or chasing the turtles.
Before you snorkel with sea turtles, always remember to prioritize marine conservation by using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding contact with any marine life, and leaving nothing but bubbles behind. Happy turtle-spotting!